Wärtsilä to ensure the continuous operations of Hidrovias Group’s pusher tugs in South American rivers

Wärtsilä Corporation

Press release

23 March 2018 at 10:00 AM E. Europe Standard Time

HB Phoenix

Wärtsilä provides maintenance solutions to the fleet of eight Hidrovias pusher tugs, which operate in the challenging rivers of South America

The technology group Wärtsilä and Hidrovias do Brasil have signed a 5-year Optimised Maintenance agreement on the fleet of eight pusher tugs operating in the challenging rivers of South America. The agreement enables flexible maintenance planning and execution according to the real condition of the equipment, thus ensuring better lifecycle value for the vessels.

Hidrovias pusher tugs offer high-quality logistic solutions for the transportation of agricultural commodities, ores, steel products and other loads, with customized long-term projects in the rivers of Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Vessels are operating in demanding shallow waters and remote locations, which makes maintenance planning and execution challenging for pusher tug operators.

The maintenance solutions offered by Wärtsilä include engine condition monitoring system, which enables Dynamic Maintenance Planning (DMP). Maintenance planning and execution will be made in accordance to the real condition of the equipment, providing flexibility for the operator and ensuring maximum uptime for the vessels.

“We expect and trust that with this agreement, we are able to maintain or even further improve the availability and utilisation of our vessels safely and economically. Close cooperation with Wärtsilä and the extensive scope of services, monitoring and planning will assure the maximal lifecycle value of our vessels, which is crucial for our operations, and our customers,” says Mr Alexandre Petterle, Supply Chain Manager, Hidrovias do Brasil.

Hidrovias will also utilise Wärtsilä Online Services which gives them online access for technical information on their installations and provides a platform through which ask questions from Wärtsilä’s technical experts.

“Both Wärtsilä and Hidrovias share the same passion to serve our customers and exceed their expectations,” says Walter Reggente, Vice President, Americas, Wärtsilä Services. “We are also strongly committed to enabling sustainable societies with smart technology. By offering Hidrovias our services that enable them to maximise the uptime of their fleet of vessels that are sailing in harsh and remote inland waterways, we are honouring this commitment. Rivers are a safe and cost-effective way of transporting goods to ports to be shipped around the world, thereby directly supporting the economies of South American countries,” continues Reggente.

Image caption: Wärtsilä provides maintenance solutions to the fleet of eight Hidrovias pusher tugs, which operate in the challenging rivers of South America

Wärtsilä Services in brief Wärtsilä Services provides high-quality lifecycle services that enhance customers’ business. Its broad range of services supports both shipping and power generation companies, whenever and wherever needed. Solutions range from spare parts and basic support to ensuring the maximised lifetime, increased efficiency and guaranteed performance of the customer’s equipment or installation – in a safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable way.https://www.wartsila.com/services

Wärtsilä in briefWärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency, and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.https://www.wartsila.com

About Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.